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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 245 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 104106-104107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30398]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Public Meeting of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board

AGENCY: Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce 
(DOC).

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda for a 
meeting of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB). OEAB members 
will discuss and provide advice on the Federal ocean exploration 
program, with a particular emphasis on the topics identified in the 
section on Matters to Be Considered.

DATES: The announced meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025 
from 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m. (ET).

ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held virtually. Information about how 
the public can observe virtually will be posted to the OEAB website at 
https://oeab.noaa.gov/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Turner, Designated Federal 
Officer, Ocean Exploration Advisory Board, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, [email protected] or (859) 327-9661.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NOAA established the OEAB under the Federal 
Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and legislation that gives the agency 
statutory authority to operate an ocean exploration program and to 
coordinate a national program of ocean exploration. The OEAB advises 
NOAA leadership on strategic planning, exploration priorities, 
competitive ocean exploration grant programs, and other matters as the 
NOAA Administrator requests.
    OEAB members represent government agencies, the private sector, 
academic institutions, and not-for-profit institutions involved in all 
facets of ocean exploration--from advanced technology to public 
engagement.
    In addition to advising NOAA leadership, NOAA expects the OEAB to 
help to define and develop a national program of ocean exploration--a 
network of stakeholders and partnerships advancing national priorities 
for ocean exploration.
    Matters To Be Considered: NOAA laboratory and program science 
reviews are conducted every five years to evaluate the quality, 
relevance, and performance of research conducted in NOAA OAR 
laboratories and programs. On October 9-10, 2024, the Ocean Exploration 
Advisory Board conducted a five-year program review of the NOAA Ocean 
Exploration program. Three focus areas were identified for the review: 
Ensuring a National Program of Ocean Exploration; Technological 
Innovation and Application; and, Public Engagement and Education. The 
Board will formally convene on January 10, 2025 to validate and vote on 
their findings, and upon approval, their Report of Findings and 
Recommendations will be transmitted to the NOAA Administrator and Under 
Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
    The agenda and other meeting materials will be made available on 
the OEAB website at https://oeab.noaa.gov/.
    Status: The meeting will be held virtually and be open to the 
public via remote access. Information on how to access the meeting, the 
agenda, and the public comment period schedule will be viewable on the 
OEAB website.
    The OEAB expects that public statements at its meetings will not be 
repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In 
general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be 
limited to three minutes. The Designated Federal

[[Page 104107]]

Officer must receive written comments by Jan. 3, 2025, to provide 
sufficient time for OEAB review. Written comments received after Jan. 
3, 2025, will be distributed to the OEAB but may not be reviewed prior 
to the meeting date. Comments should be submitted to Designated Federal 
Officer [email protected].
    Special Accommodations: Requests for sign language interpretation 
or other auxiliary aids should be directed to the Designated Federal 
Officer by Jan. 3, 2025.

David Holst,
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Office of Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 2024-30398 Filed 12-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-KA-P
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